Has anyone ever spun Optim? I just got some today and oh my it feels like Silk or cashmere and the staple length is so long. do you know if it needs more or less spin than merino? I usually have very low spin on my merino when I ply it so it's nice and balanced when all done, but this doesn't even look like wool!

Optim is merino wool that has been stretched and set, it's soooooo nice to spin. I use it for thread singles so I do over spin it just a little and set the twist with some hot water and judicious whacking on the counter. If you're spinning fine and intend on plying it, over spin it (like silk) and then ply it hard. Spins nice fat singles too if you're into that but I think the yarn would eventually pill like crazy.

I just bought 4 oz of optim. I haven't spun it yet, and it is very soft and silky feeling. I usually spin merino on the thin side and then ply it. But not as thin as u are saying. Do u think it will work up like that?

The staple is so long I usually spin Optim the same way as silk. Optim's staple is 6 inches on average! (wow)

I would recommend that you very carefully predraft the roving/sliver well, before spinning it. Because the staple is so long it likes to spin a thicker yarn than you may intend. I always slightly over-spin silk, just enough so that it curls back on itself when slackened, but not too much so that it retains its softness and shine when plied - I've found this technique works for most other longer-stapled fibers, especially Optim.

Don't worry! It turns out absolutely gorgeous, no matter what, it's so soft! Great for baby garments, btw.